Modular crossbar

ABSTRACT

A frame assembly comprising: at least two frame members each comprising an internal channel defined by a respective frame member casing and an external channel formed upon the casing; wherein the frame member casings comprises a plurality of apertures extending between the internal and external channels; an insert disposable within the internal channel, having a plurality of apertures alignable with the plurality of apertures of the frame member casings; a first plurality of fixing members configured to extend through the plurality of apertures of the frame member casings and insert thereby connecting the frame members and insert; a second plurality of fixing members disposable within the external channel of the frame members; a plate, disposable within the external channel, having a first plurality of apertures alignable with the second plurality of fixing members and a second plurality of apertures configured to receive a connection means for supporting a goal net.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based on, claims priority to, andincorporates herein by reference in its entirety United Kingdom PatentApplication No. GB1817829.3, filed on Oct. 31, 2019, and entitled“Modular Crossbar.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to crossbars for sports goals and likeassemblies, and more particularly, to modular crossbars for portable orsemi-permanent football goals.

BACKGROUND

It is important to allow sports goals to be easily accessible around theworld without compromising on their safety and durability. Goals areused for many different sports including but not limited to football,handball and futsal.

On existing, conventional models the logistical and conceptual design ofa crossbar is inefficient due to the size, weight and manufacturingprocesses put into place. As a result, the restriction placed upon thesize and weight of the crossbar further enhances the restricted accessfor the end consumer due to increased logistical outlay and assemblytime.

The traditional crossbar design is uninspired, bulky and not fit for themodern era whereby increased consumer demand requires faster deliverytimes allowing soccer goals to be introduced into the mass marketbringing an enhanced user-friendly design. Lifting and lowering of thecrossbar needs to be done in a safe manner and involve the minimumnumber of operators as possible. All these need to be overcome whilststill meeting strict safety standards.

BRIEF SUMMARY

To overcome these issues, the present invention proposes an aluminumcrossbar on a modular mechanism that is easy to assemble using bracketsand internal connectors, this is done in a manner which does not haveany fittings or fixings protruding from the face of the goal whilst alsoallowing net clips to still be fitted into the fixing channel. Thecrossbar which can be fitted to numerous sizes of sports goals, enablesthe efficient construction of the goal whilst deploying a safe, sturdyand non-corrosive crossbar. The crossbar is also locked into place withspecifically designed hardware to enable a singular person to assemblethe goal whilst reducing the minimum number of operators required forlifting and carrying.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a frameassembly for a sports goal comprising at least two frame members eachcomprising an internal channel defined by a respective frame membercasing and an external channel formed upon the casing. The frame membercasings comprises a plurality of apertures extending between theinternal and external channels. The frame assembly further comprising aninsert disposable within the internal channel, having a plurality ofapertures alignable with the plurality of apertures of the frame membercasings, a first plurality of fixing members configured to extendthrough the plurality of apertures of the frame member casings andinsert thereby connecting the frame members and insert, a secondplurality of fixing members disposable within the external channel ofthe frame members, and a plate, disposable within the channel, having afirst plurality of apertures alignable with the second plurality offixing members and a second plurality of apertures configured to receivea connection means for supporting a goal net.

Further aspects and embodiment of the inventions are provided as set outin the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention may be performed in various ways and embodiments thereofwill now be described, by way of example only, reference being made tothe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary sports goal using the frameassembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an unassembled view of components of theframe assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a partially assembled view of components ofthe frame assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; and,

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an assembled view of components of the frameassembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is illustrated a sports goal10 for use in football (soccer) comprising a frame assembly 100according to an embodiment of the present invention. The frame assembly100 is comprised of three frame members 101 a,101 b,101 c, defining anupper crossbar for the goal. The three frame members are connectedexternally via plates 140, situated in an external channel 104 formed onthe rear in use of the casing of the frame members. The plates areattached to the frame member with fixing members 120. The three framemember are connect via joints 202 to the upright posts 203, which inturn are connect to side posts 204. A second base crossbar 200potentially identical to the upper crossbar 100 is placed to the rearbetween the side posts 204. A back or net support 205 is connectedbetween the joints of the upper and base crossbars, additionally bracers206 are placed at the corner to further support the net 207 and the goalframe 10.

In an embodiment the frame members are tubular. The frame members may bepartly, substantially hollow. The frame members may adhere to standardor conventional shapes and sizes of sports goals components, such thatthey me be retrofitted to existing goals or form new modular assemblieswhere more than one is used. The frame member may be constructed fromany appropriate material such as aluminum or plastics.

Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings, there is illustrated a portion of aframe assembly 100, prior to being assembled for use. Two frame members101 a, 101 b are shown in a separated configuration. An insert 130 isshown between the two frame members. The insert 130 is positionablewithin the internal channel 103 of the frame members. The insert 130 hasapertures 135 which align with apertures 105 on the casing of the framemember extending between the external channel 104 and the internalchannel 103. When the two frame members 101 are connected such that theyare abutting the insert 130 will not be visible. Further shown arefixing members 120 which slot into the external channel 103, which willbe used for attaching further components to the assembly.

In an embodiment the insert is weighted to weigh the goal down toprevent any injury from tipping. The insert may be aligned within theframe members with the help of locating features within the internalchannel, such features may be protrusion which impeded further progressalong the length of the member or the like. In conjunction with theframe members the insert may be constructed from various materials inthe appropriate size and shape for the required use.

In an embodiment the external channel is as known in the art, profiledsuch that the channel may be used with “quick clips” to attach nets togoals. Further embodiments are envisaged where the channel alsocooperates with second fixing members 120 to retain them in place, thechannel may be further supplied with locating features such asprotrusions or indentations that the fixing member cooperate with. InFIG. 2 the fixing member is a threaded bolt, where the bolt locates inthe channel. It will be appreciated that the skilled person couldenvisage multiple various method of attachment that are simple and wellknow. For example the insert aperture 135 may include a threadcircumference or other method to retain the first fixing means 110.

Referring to FIG. 3 of the drawings, there is illustrated a frameassembly 100, in a partially configured arrangement. Three frame members101 a,101 b,101 c are shown in a joined configuration. A first pluralityof fixing members 110 are shown extending through the plurality ofapertures 105 on the frame member casings and into the insert, which isnot visible being within the internal channel, thereby connecting theframe members and insert. A second plurality of fixing members 120disposed within the external channel 104 of the frame members arevisible. A plate 140 is shown which is disposable within the externalchannel 104. The plate has a first plurality of apertures 142 alignablewith the second plurality of fixing members 120. It can be seen that theplate 140 enters into the channel 104 and the second plurality of fixingmembers 120 extend through the apertures 142. When the plate is in thechannel and engaged with the fixing members the connection between theframe members is further secured. The first fixing means 110 as showncomprises a threaded bolt 110 a and a washer 110 b, the washer beingplaced between the bolt and the surface of the external channel 104. Thesecond fixing means 120 as shown comprises a threaded bolt 120, a nut121 a and washer 121 b, in use the bolt 120 protrudes through aperture142 of the plate 140; the washer 121 b is between the plate and nut 121a.

In an embodiment both the first and second fixing means are shown asthreaded bolts, included nuts (for the second means) and washers. Itwill be appreciated that the skilled person could consider various otherattachment means for example but not limited to clips, brackets, screws,adhesives, resiliently deformable members, straps etc.

Referring to FIG. 4 of the drawings, there is illustrated a frameassembly 100, in an assembly arrangement. Two frame members 101 a,101 bare shown in a joined configuration, by the plate 140 located in theexternal channel 104, secured to both the frame members by fixing means120. Further shown is the plate 140 has a second plurality of apertures146 configured to receive a connection means 150 for supporting a goalnet 207.

In an example of use of the frame assembly 100, the components can bebrought to the location of the goal in a deconstructed configuration.Two frame members 101 a and 101 b may be set out with an insert 130. Theinsert 130 is placed partially within both the internal channels 103 ofthe frame members, there may be locating feature within the channel tohelp with alignment. Second fixing members 120 are slid into theexternal channel 104, which may also have locating features to help withalignment. The frame members are brought together and the insert 130enclosed. The second fixing members are protruding outwards from theexternal channel. First fixing members 110 are placed through apertures105 in the external channel 104 into the internal channel 103 and alsothe insert 130, thereby retaining the insert within the frame membersand also securing the opposing frame members 101 a,101 b. A plate 140 isplaced over the protruding second fixing members 120, which extendthrough the plates first apertures 142. Additional features of thefixing members 120 such as washers 121 b and nut 121 a can than be usedto secure the plate in place and further securing the frame members,such that they are adequately robust for use. Finally further connectingmeans 150 can be placed through the plate's 140 second apertures 146,which can be used to attach the net 207 to the goal. Once the frameassembly is completed it can be attached to further interconnectablemodular frame assemblies or standard components to form the fullstructure of a goal 10. Multiple frame assemblies can be used to createmultiple goals at different location with ease.

It will be appreciated that some of these steps can be down in differentorders, for example sliding in the second fixing members from the end ofthe channel furthest from where the members connect but, this will addtime to the set up.

It will be appreciated that frame assembly of the present inventionprovides a modular, safe and portable goal for use in all weatherconditions. Conforming to all the required safety standards and meetingdifferent sporting regulations.

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way whichenables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it isintended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variouslycombined or separated without parting from the invention. For example,it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein areapplicable to all aspects of the invention described herein.

Thus, while the invention has been described in connection withparticular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily solimited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses,modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses areintended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entiredisclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporatedby reference, as if each such patent or publication were individuallyincorporated by reference herein.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims.

I claim:
 1. A frame assembly for a sports goal comprising: at least twoframe members each comprising an internal channel defined by arespective frame member casing and an external channel formed upon thecasing; wherein the frame member casings comprises a plurality ofapertures extending between the internal and external channels; aninsert disposable within the internal channel, having a plurality ofapertures alignable with the plurality of apertures of the frame membercasings; a first plurality of fixing members configured to extendthrough the plurality of apertures of the frame member casings andinsert thereby connecting the frame members and insert; a secondplurality of fixing members disposable within the external channel ofthe frame members; and a plate, disposable within the external channel,having a first plurality of apertures alignable with the secondplurality of fixing members and a second plurality of aperturesconfigured to receive a connection means for supporting a goal net. 2.The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame members aresubstantially tubular in shape.
 3. The frame assembly as claimed inclaim 1, comprising three frame members and two inserts.
 4. The frameassembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert comprises an internalthread formed within the apertures which is engagable with the firstplurality of fixing members.
 5. The frame assembly as claimed in 1,wherein the second plurality fixing members each comprise a bolt, washerand nut.
 6. The frame assembly as claimed in 1, further comprising jointmembers to connect the frame members to further frame components.
 7. Asports goal comprising a frame assembly as claimed in claim
 1. 8. Asports goal as claimed in claim 7, wherein the sports goal is forfootball, soccer, futsal, or handball.